King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s two-day visit in Canada begins

For the first time since his coronation in 2023, King Charles the Third and Queen Camilla arrived in Canada today for an official royal visit.

The two-day trip includes a historic throne speech from King Charles himself, opening up a new session in parliament.

After touching down in the nation’s capital, the King and Queen were greeted by a number of dignitaries, including Governor General Mary Simon, Prime Minister Mark Carney, his wife Diana and indigenous leaders before shaking hands with members of the crowd.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were then escorted to Rideau Hall for a tree planting ceremony, a traditional ritual when there is a royal visit.

Prime Minister Mark Carney released a statement today welcoming Our Majesties.

“The royal visit is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown,” said Carney. “Tomorrow, His Majesty King Charles the Third will deliver the Speech from the Throne in the Senate Chamber, nearly 70 years after Canada’s sovereign first opened parliament.”

“Our Prime Minister Mark Carney did a wonderful job sizing him up and having a good talk to him. And I think there were some truths told by Mark Carney about our prime minister to the president of the United States,” said Robert Oldham, former Hamilton chair of the Monarchist League of Canada.

READ MORE: King Charles III to deliver throne speech as Parliament resumes

Tuesday’s throne speech will mark just the third time Canada’s head of state presided over parliament. Queen Elizabeth the Second did it twice back in 1957 and 1977.

“I think the Canadian people are very willing to support anyone that loves Canada like he does. And I think it’s great that they’re going to be here. I think it will be very interesting to see what he says. I’m sure it will be very well thought out and to the point,” Oldham said.

Carney says King Charles’ speech will outline the government’s ambitious plan to secure a strong security and economic relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump.

“They use a good use of soft power, and Donald Trump seems to have some admiration for them. So I think that by this visit, he may back off a little bit on that Canada 51st state stuff,” said Andrew May, owner of Tea At The White House.

READ MORE: Royal Canadian Navy remember heroism in Battle of the Atlantic

In Hamilton, local Brits have shared their excitement about the two-day royal visit and say that it’s good for business.

“Canadians generally love British products, like we do here. Especially with short bread, clotted cream, all that sort of stuff. So we hope that connection of trade continues,” May said.

King Charles’ speech inside parliament Tuesday is scheduled to begin shortly after 11 a.m.

Once the speech concludes, Their Majesties will pay their respects to those who served Canada at The National War Memorial, by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

READ MORE: PM Mark Carney confirms King Charles to launch Parliament